boston university scholarship essays

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College Essays

If you're applying to Boston University this year, you're in luck: most applicants only need to submit one supplemental BU essay.

In this article, we'll cover what the Boston University essay prompts are, how to answer them, and provide key tips for writing the best application essays possible.

What Are the Boston University Essays?

Boston University requires all its applicants to respond to one Boston University essay as part of its admissions requirements (in addition to the Common App or Coalition App essay). You may also have to respond to an additional essay, depending on what school or program you're applying to.

Boston University accepts both the Common Application and the Coalition Application for admission , so you can choose whichever application you prefer and apply to Boston University (including submitting your essays) through that application's platform.

The essays are an important part of your application—they give you a chance to show the admissions committee a different side of your personality than what they see in the rest of your application. The Boston University essays also give you a chance to wow the admissions committee with your creativity and writing skills, so it's important to put a lot of effort into your essays to make them as strong as possible.

Boston University Essay Prompts and Requirements

There are a number of different Boston University essay prompts, depending on what program you are applying to and whether or not you decide to apply for a scholarship.

All students must answer the "Why Boston University" essay. You can also choose to submit additional work in the "Extra Space" part of the application. Applicants to the Accelerated Program in Liberal Arts and Medicine, Kilachand Honors College, and the Trustees Scholarships must also answer additional essays, each with their own word count and requirements.

Let's take a look at each of the prompts:

"Why Boston University"

"Extra Space" [OPTIONAL]

For Accelerated Program in Liberal Arts and Medicine applicants:

For Kilachand Honors College applicants:

The mission of Kilachand Honors College is to offer a challenging liberal arts education grounded in critical and creative thinking, interdisciplinary problem-solving, and the real-world application of knowledge. Please see https://www.bu.edu/khc/about/ for more details about our program, and then respond to one of the following questions in an essay (600 words):

Option A: What about the Kilachand Honors College resonates with you, and how would Kilachand's curriculum fulfill your academic, creative, intellectual, and/or professional goals?

Option B: If you could create a new Kilachand course, what would it be? How would your imagined course align with the core values of Kilachand?

For Trustees Scholarship applicants: Please select one of the questions below and respond with an essay explaining your perspective. (600 words)

• Option A: Howard Thurman, who was the dean of BU's Marsh Chapel from 1953-1965, once wrote: "Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Can you describe a particular experience you have had or an activity that you participate in that makes you come alive? How would you try to integrate that experience or activity into your time at BU?
• Option B: Describe a time when you felt out of your comfort zone or marginalized in a situation. How did you respond to that moment and how has it informed your actions moving forward?

Boston University Essay Prompts, Analyzed

Let's take a look at each of the Boston University essay prompts. In this section, we'll break down what each prompt is asking, how you should answer, what kind of topics will work to answer the prompt, and what you should avoid talking about.

What about being a student at Boston University most excites you? (250 words)

The Boston University Supplement Essay prompt is a classic "Why this school" essay prompt. These types of essays ask you to demonstrate to the admissions committee why this school is the one for you.

Your answer should be Boston University-specific. You should do your research on Boston University to be able to name specific classes, programs, or professors that excite you. Your essay should focus on why you want to attend Boston University—not why you want to attend college in general.

Don't speak generically—Boston University knows that it has great academics and interesting classes. You need to name specific parts of the school that are attractive to you as a student. Maybe you're interested in film and television and want to be part of BUTV10, or perhaps you want to work on a Senior Design Project in College of Engineering. Whatever your reason, make it specific to BU—something that you can't get at any other college or university.

For more information on how to answer the BU essay prompt, visit our article on the subject!

Please use this space if you have additional information, materials, or writing samples you would like us to consider. (2000 KB PDF file)

This prompt may seem intimidating—what should you upload? First, remember that this is an optional prompt, and if you choose to leave it blank, that won't be a black mark on your application. If you do decide to answer it, y ou should use it as a chance to a.) demonstrate the quality of your work and/or b.) present yourself as a well-rounded person.

If, for instance, you are the first chair in your high school's wind symphony, you might want to upload a MP3 file of your playing. Boston University will have lots of students applying who are musicians—sending in a file of yourself playing can demonstrate the quality of your musicianship.

On the other hand, if you've been playing in a punk band with some friends for fun for five years but didn't mention it elsewhere on your application, this essay prompt gives you the perfect opportunity to present another aspect of your personality.

Whatever you choose to upload, make sure that it is high quality and well put-together. Submitting something that's confusing or sloppy can give the admissions committee the wrong impression, so if you don't have anything that stands out as something you'd want to submit, we recommend skipping it.

The Accelerated Programs Admission Committee is interested in learning more about you. Please write an essay on why you wish to enter the health professions, including what experiences have led you to this decision and what you hope to gain from your chosen profession. Please make sure your essay is completely distinct from the one you submitted on the Common Application. (750 words)

This prompt is only for students who are applying to the Accelerated Program in Liberal Arts and Medicine. This Boston University Supplement Essay prompt is a pretty standard example of a health professional admissions essay, but the long word count is tricky. You want to be specific and passionate, not redundant and long-winded.

You can break your essay down into two main parts: why you decided to enter the health professions and what you hope to gain from doing so. When you talk about why you decided to enter the health professions, be sure to highlight any specific experiences that influenced your decision. Don't speak in generalizations or platitudes—call out real experiences that made you decide to apply. Don't, for instance, say that you want to change the world through medicine, unless you can back it up with a solid explanation of why.

Discussing what you hope to gain from the profession is an opportunity to hammer home why Boston University is such an important part of your education. Talk about what you hope to achieve in your career and how Boston University can help you get there.

Students who are applying to Boston University's Kilachand Honors College must answer an additional 600 word prompt. You'll choose between two prompts, and both require you to discuss what about Kilachand is important to you and how you think it could help you achieve your goals.

The Kilachand Honors College is a living and learning community where you have the opportunity to participate in experiential learning activities, so it's a good idea to highlight how practical application and real-world experience is important to you in this essay.

The key to either of these prompts is to be specific. You don't need to talk about all of your academic interests here—in fact, it's probably better to just discuss one or two that are really important to you. Whatever interest you choose to write about, you should make sure that you highlight how you would continue to explore that interest at Boston University, and Kilachand specifically. Whether you choose Option A or B, make sure to discuss both your own personal interests/goals as well as how they relate to the values of Kilachand and the opportunities it offers.

Please select one of the questions below and respond with an essay explaining your perspective. (600 words)

• Option A: Howard Thurman, who was the dean of BU’s Marsh Chapel from 1953-1965, once wrote: “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” Can you describe a particular experience you have had or an activity that you participate in that makes you come alive? How would you try to integrate that experience or activity into your time at BU?

Students who are applying for the Boston University Trustees Scholarships must answer an additional essay of 600 words.

The Trustees Scholarship asks you to pick between two prompts. Both are geared towards helping the admission committee learn more about your interests and values.

If you choose Option A, you'll discuss your passions...which can be pretty fun! Think of something in your life where you light up with excitement or joy. That's what you need to focus on for this essay prompt. The key to this answer will be twofold: you need to be sincere, but you also need to be able to explain how that passion will make you a good member of the BU community.

Maybe the thing that makes you feel most alive is mountain biking. You love the physical challenge, but you also love the way the wind whips over you while you're doing a massive downhill trail. When you get to BU, you want to join the Boston University cycling team! You're hoping to make friends (and win national championships!) while at BU.

Option B wants to know how you react when you're outside of your comfort zone. It can be easy to be confident, respectful, and thoughtful when you're in a place you feel comfortable in, but once you leave that place and don't feel as valued or secure as you should, what are you like?

College is all about expanding your comfort zone, and BU wants to make sure you can handle these changes gracefully. In your response, briefly describe the situation when you felt outside your comfort zone and how it made you feel, then spend the bulk of your response explaining your reaction and what you took away from the experience. Maybe you learned to listen more than you speak or now always look out for people who seem to be overlooked in a situation because you understand how it feels. Above all, BU is looking for students who use challenges as an opportunity for growth and remain open-minded even when a situation is tough. 

Key Tips for Writing an Amazing Boston University Supplement Essay

Ready to write an amazing Boston University supplement essay? Follow these key tips to do so!

#1: Use Your Own Voice

The point of a college essay is for the admissions committee to have the chance to get to know you beyond your test scores, grades, and honors. Your admissions essays are your opportunity to make yourself come alive for the essay readers and to present yourself as a fully fleshed out person.

You should, then, make sure that the person you're presenting in your college essays is yourself. Don't try to emulate what you think the committee wants to hear or try to act like someone you're not.

If you lie or exaggerate, your essay will come across as insincere, which will diminish its effectiveness. Stick to telling real stories about the person you really are, not who you think Boston University wants you to be.

#2: Avoid Clichés and Overused Phrases

When writing your Boston University essays, try to avoid using clichés or overused quotes or phrases. These include quotations that have been quoted to death and phrases or idioms that are overused in daily life. The college admissions committee has probably seen numerous essays that state, "Be the change you want to see in the world." Strive for originality. Similarly, avoid using clichés, which take away from the strength and sincerity of your work.

Boston University's admissions committee will see thousands of essays that talk about how much the applicant loves Boston. Saying that you want to study in the world's greatest college town is trite and overdone. If you are excited about going to school in Boston, make sure that you have a really specific reason that also ties to Boston University's opportunities.

#3: Check Your Work

It should almost go without saying, but make sure your Boston University essays are the strongest example of your work possible. Before you turn in your Boston University application, make sure to edit and proofread your essays.

Your work should be free of spelling and grammar errors. Make sure to run your essays through a spelling and grammar check before you submit.

It's a good idea to have someone else read your Boston University essays, too. You can seek a second opinion on your work from a parent, teacher, or friend. Ask them whether your work represents you as a student and person. Have them check and make sure you haven't missed any small writing errors. Having a second opinion will help your work be the best it possibly can be.

Final Thoughts

Regardless of which program you're applying to at Boston University, you want to make sure that your Boston University essays are a great example of who you are as a student and a person and why Boston University should accept you.

Your essay should:

• Be personal
• Be specific
• Be free of spelling and grammar errors

Your essay should not:

• Be focused on Boston, not Boston University

The more effort you put into your essays, the better chance you have of getting accepted to Boston University!

What's Next?

Do you want to learn more about the Why Boston essay? We created an in-depth guide to help you ace this essay. Check it out here!

Starting your essay is often the hardest part. If you're unsure where to begin, check out this guide to starting a college essay perfectly , so you're ready to ace that introduction!

A good essay is just one part of a successful Boston University application . If you want to really wow the admissions office, be sure your grades and test scores are up to snuff, too!

Hayley Milliman is a former teacher turned writer who blogs about education, history, and technology. When she was a teacher, Hayley's students regularly scored in the 99th percentile thanks to her passion for making topics digestible and accessible. In addition to her work for PrepScholar, Hayley is the author of Museum Hack's Guide to History's Fiercest Females.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, tips for boston university scholarship essay.

I'm applying for a BU scholarship, and I'm having trouble getting started on my essay. Can anyone give me some tips or advice on what scholarship committees at BU might be looking for in a successful essay? Any help is appreciated!

Starting your scholarship essay can indeed be challenging, but worry not! The key to a successful scholarship essay is to understand your audience and highlight your unique strengths, experiences, and aspirations. Here are some tips to help you craft an all-around solid essay for your Boston University scholarship application:

1. Thoroughly research the scholarship: Before writing your essay, make sure you're well-versed in the details of the scholarship you're applying for. Understanding the mission and criteria of the award will give you a better sense of the qualities and themes that the committee might be looking for in applicants.

2. Tell a compelling story: Share a personal anecdote or experience that relates to the scholarship's objectives. This will not only capture the attention of your reader but also effectively demonstrate your connection to the award.

3. Be specific in your achievements: As you share your story, be specific about your accomplishments and activities. This will help the committee clearly see the impact you've made in your school or community, and it will set your essay apart from more generic applications.

4. Demonstrate a passion for learning and growth: Showcase your dedication to personal and academic development by discussing how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals. Be genuine about your aspirations, and consider discussing both short-term and long-term objectives.

5. Highlight your unique qualities: Use the essay to illustrate your strengths and set yourself apart from other applicants. Discuss any experiences or attributes that make you distinct, and explain how these qualities will contribute to BU's campus community.

6. Edit thoroughly: Scholarships are competitive, and excellent writing skills are essential to making a strong impression. Be sure to refine your essay for structure, grammar, and punctuation. Having someone else review and proofread your work can also provide valuable feedback to improve your final draft.

7. Stay within the word limit: Adhering to the suggested word count not only demonstrates your ability to organize your thoughts but also shows that you respect the committee's guidelines.

To learn about other Boston University prompts, read this blog post: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-boston-university-essays/

By developing a well-structured, compelling, and unique essay that reflects your passions and strengths, you'll be well on your way to writing a winning scholarship essay for Boston University. Good luck!

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3 Strong Boston University Essay Examples

Boston University is a top research university in the heart of the city. With a fairly low acceptance rate, admissions is pretty selective, and writing strong essays is essential to standing out.

BU requires one essay for all applicants, and has an additional information prompt that is optional. Applicants to the Accelerated Program in Liberal Arts and Medicine have another essay, and Honors College applicants have two additional essays.

In this post, we’ll then go over example essays from a real applicants, analyzing what they did well, and what could be improved.

Please note: Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays. You should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarized. 

Read our BU essay breakdown to get a comprehensive overview of this year’s supplemental prompts. 

Essay Example #1

Prompt: What about being a student at Boston University most excites you? (250 words)

I am most excited by Boston University’s Societal Engineer vision. As an aspiring engineer with a strong interest in government, I love that BU encourages engineering majors to strengthen their communication skills and global awareness. 

Academically speaking, I would explore political science courses through BU Hub requirements like Historical Consciousness and Ethical Reasoning. In addition, I would explore the world through the semester-abroad programs offered by BU for engineering majors. If admitted, I would love to study in Grenoble (and brush up on my French!) as a sophomore.

Beyond academics, BU’s student groups also align with the Social Engineer vision. BU’s Engineers Without Borders mission spans both engineering and communication, as their project in Zambia involved both in developing sanitation systems and presenting posters on these systems to the community. Given my strong desire to help others through engineering, I would devote my time and energy to EWB’s projects at BU. 

I am also intrigued by BU’s political student groups, and I appreciate that BU’s student government offers students from all colleges leadership as Senators. I work closely with my high school’s administration as the vice president of our honor society and the overseer of student elections, and I would enjoy doing something similar at BU.

At BU, I can see myself tinkering with Autodesk Inventor late into the night and petitioning legislatures to fix gerrymandered districts. Because BU’s Societal Engineer vision would encourage both my STEM and humanities interests, I am very excited about being a student at BU. 

What the Essay Did Well

This essay is a strong response that adequately conveys what the student hopes to obtain from an education from Boston University. The applicant begins with a straightforward statement that expresses their interests in engineering and government.

Establishing this cross-disciplinary interest immediately sets the candidate apart from other engineering majors and makes their response more unique. By mentioning the intersection of engineering and government, the candidate hits upon a rare niche that demonstrates a willingness to bridge two seemingly disparate subjects. 

The student also mentions a study abroad opportunity specific for those within their major. They mention a specific study abroad destination, which further underscores their interest in this offering. The inclusion about brushing up on their French establishes a personal connection to their location choice, which also strengthens this portion of the response.

Next, the applicant discusses BU’s relevant extracurricular opportunities:

This inclusion is a good example of taking a BU-specific offering and expanding on what specific project the author intends to work on. They do a good job of connecting an engineering-related club to their humanities-related passions. 

The applicant then concludes with the following: 

These final sentences do a nice job of wrapping up the response in a way that allows the essay to flow smoothly until the end. The mentions of Autodesk Inventor and petitions provide readers with specific details that corroborate the points made earlier in the response. The applicant ends with a forward-facing sentence that solidifies their desire to attend BU. Similarly, you should aim to wrap up your response with a final statement that encapsulates your essay thus far and also points ahead to your future at the university.

What Could Be Improved

This essay could be strengthened in that the candidate does not necessarily establish a personal connection to BU’s Societal Engineer vision. To improve this, they could briefly elaborate on what drew them to this academic intersection. Perhaps volunteering at a homeless shelter opened their eyes to housing inequalities, which stem from issues with both finding cheap building materials and their city’s budget. Or, perhaps their interest in creating sustainable plastic substitutes drew them to explore both materials engineering and environmental policy. This personal connection would strengthen the overall authenticity of this essay and provide a flow for admissions officers to follow. 

The next portion of this response could also be improved. It centers on BU’s academic opportunities:

The applicant demonstrates that they have researched their major and mention a specific requirement. This is a good start; however, they should elaborate more on why they chose to mention this specific category. They can talk about how they hope to learn more about specific courses within this category. 

For instance, maybe they want to learn about security in America to inform their sense of national politics, or delve into the representation of the Holocaust in film, as they feel current policies on religious diversity should consider this topic. This further elaboration will round out this portion of the response rather than leaving it underdeveloped.

Essay Example #2

Prompt: What about the Kilachand Honors College resonates with you, and how would Kilachand’s curriculum fulfill your academic, creative, intellectual, and/or professional goals? (600 words)

I am an example of societal rejection. My lack of adherence to gender constructs breaks traditional expectations as my queerness takes over any sense of “normality” that society could see in me. As a queer, nonbinary person of color and an Indian immigrant, I’ve moved away from expectations that demand a definition of my characteristics and have begun to explore who I am on a profound level. It’s this concept of exploration that I aspire to integrate into my education so that I can learn more about others and understand the incomprehensible by any means, whether it be through interacting with different aspects of humanity, connecting with new communities, or increasing my knowledge on a topic. 

I’ve found this same ring of curiosity and educational passion that distinguishes Kilachand Honors College and have come to resonate with it, whether it be through the different community based circle meetings, the dissimilar seminars focused on developing critical and creative thinking, or the focus on experiential learning. However, Kilachand takes this interest for learning one step further, adding another dimension to the challenging liberal education through building on layers of global, social, corporate, and geopolitical challenges within the classes. This interdisciplinary aspect of the Kilachand curriculum provides me with the chance to understand issues from different perspectives, which I’d take advantage of to fulfill my professional goal of directing a human rights campaign. 

Specific classes like KHC HC 401: Epistemologies and the Process of Inquiry and KHC HC 301: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Global Challenges offer new intellectual opportunities I have been seeking while also supporting me in utilizing my education in a way that benefits my community. The emphasis placed on exploring the real life impact of students’ work in Kilachand’s integrated curriculum is empowering and would help me use education as a tool to build on my global perspective and make a meaningful difference.

It is my goal to learn more about the unfamiliar so that I can apply that knowledge to “unsolvable global issues” that are only labeled as such because of a cultural disconnect or societal difference. Kilachand supports this goal through offering co-curricular events and residencies where I can connect with other cultures through visiting different cultural institutions or having enlightening discussions with leading professionals. I am inspired by the passion behind the Kilachand community; events such as the POC and LGBTQIA+ Circle meetings are features of the Kilachand community that I hope to contribute to and learn from. By learning about others’ experiences and sharing my own, I aspire to be a part of the intellectual curiosity that is shared among Kilachand students.

The copious academic, cultural, and social opportunities at Kilchand all connect back to the same pillar of change that I have continuously been drawn to. Even though my interests are diverse and follow multiple tracks, the diversity of opportunities at Kilchand resonate with my varied passions and offer an accepting community connected through curiosity, which I hope to contribute to. 

The essay starts out with a bold, unexpected first sentence that hooks the audience into continuing to read the essay. This well-crafted writing seamlessly leads into an introduction about the writer, their values, and what they are looking for in a college education. The following paragraphs show how the Kilachand Honors College is an ideal fit for them.

The key to writing any “Why This College?” essay is to highlight specific resources that the college offers. This essay does that well by mentioning a wide range of BU resources by name, including classes, the integrated curriculum, the interdisciplinary educational philosophy, and extracurricular activities. By directly stating that they want to take “specific classes like KHC HC 401: Epistemologies and the Process of Inquiry,” the writer shows that they have done thorough research into the Honors College. More than anything else, evidence of this research demonstrates interest in the offerings of the Honors College and a strong “why” for applying.

The writer has not created a laundry list of resources with their essay either. They show that they have a personal interest in each resource by using “I” statements and explaining their ideas for making the most of the Honors College in the future. Instead of simply stating “I am looking forward to joining clubs related to social justice at BU,” the writer presents a much clearer and more confident vision for their academic future with the phrase “…events such as the POC and LGBTQIA+ Circle meetings are features of the Kilachand community that I hope to contribute to and learn from.”

Though the essay is highly specific with the resources it mentions in most parts, several sentences in the second paragraph could be strengthened:

However, Kilachand takes this interest for learning one step further, adding another dimension to the challenging liberal education through building on layers of global, social, corporate, and geopolitical challenges within the classes. This interdisciplinary aspect of the Kilachand curriculum provides me with the chance to understand issues from different perspectives…

Many other colleges offer an interdisciplinary curriculum, so the writer should write additional details here about Kilachand’s “interdisciplinary aspect.” They should ask themselves, is there a specific university value which encourages professors to tie many academic disciplines together in the classroom? Does BU require Kilachand students to take an honors core curriculum that covers many areas? Answering these questions would add the right level of specificity to the writer’s point about Kilachand’s educational philosophy. 

The essay would also be stronger if the writer explained exactly how Kilachand fosters curiosity. If curiosity were a core value of the Honors College, the writer could clarify by changing part of the essay’s last sentence to “an accepting community connected through the value of curiosity.”

Essay Example #3

Prompt: Describe a time when you felt out of your comfort zone or marginalized in a situation. How did you respond to that moment and how has it informed your actions moving forward? (600 words)

“The last 10% is 90% of the work.”

It was written on a small, ripped-off piece of yellow legal paper in fading blue ink. And now, it still sits in my desk drawer, four years after it was given to me by my band director, Mr. Laghari. It was one day in ninth grade, about two weeks before I was to perform my very first audition, that Mr. Laghari strolled over to where I was sitting.

“Alright Kat, let’s hear this district piece!”

What followed, looking back, was absolutely the most mediocre performance you’ve ever heard.

“Well done! I have a few comments for you though. Mainly, it seems like you have the notes and rhythms down, but you gotta add some musicality!”

I had no clue what he was talking about; it showed in my face.

“Expression! Dynamics! You know!”

But I didn’t.

“Oh come on! It’s the last part, right before the audition, the hardest part. You know, my high school band director once told me…”

He took out his yellow legal pad and began writing.

“The. Last. Ten. Percent. Is. Ninety. Percent. Of. The. Work.”

He ripped it off, and gave it to me. And I took it to heart. I looked up musicality, expression, dynamics, and worked to map out phrases in the music. I recorded myself to see what I could add to make it musical .

When the audition came around, I was ready. When they called euphoniums, I enthusiastically left my school’s group and walked with the rest of the auditionees to the holding room. But it was a long walk. Not only did I start to miss the safety of my school group, I started to get in my own head. What if I put in all my hard work for nothing? What would people think? My parents? Mr. Laghari? In the holding room, I squirmed in my seat, waiting for my name to get called. The clock on the wall ticked and ticked, my anxiety building all the while. Finally, my name was called, second-to-last, and as I followed the volunteer to the audition room, I suddenly remembered Mr. Laghari’s slip of paper. I just needed to give my ninety percent. I focused myself, and did just that.

So it came as a surprise to me when Mr. Laghari told me that I placed seventh, and they took the top six players, on the bus ride home. Not only was I surprised, I was crushed. “We’ll get ‘em next year!” he said. But all I heard was “You didn’t make it this year.” It was a bitter trip.

It took me about a week to realize what he said, and that I would crush it next year. I told myself it wasn’t a matter of auditioning to see if I could make it. I told myself auditioning was a formality. And as I looked at the blue ink on that slip of paper, with all of those crushing memories now attached, I told myself that I would give my ninety percent not just on the last ten percent of the work, but on all of it: every year. And with that mindset, I’ve not only placed first in All-Districts on trombone and euphonium, but have made it all the way to All-State. 

So, whenever I need inspiration for a project, motivation to finish my homework, determination not to give up, I just open up my desk drawer. And one day in the near future, when I move off to Boston University, that slip of paper is what I’ll be taking with me.

This essay is a moving example of how to tell a story with dialogue. Beginning the essay with dialogue is unexpected, which automatically makes for a gripping hook. At the same time, dialogue is an excellent way to organize the essay and convey main ideas in a succinct, yet creative way. The one-sentence introduction of the essay summarizes its entire message more effectively than a paragraph.

The writer then shows how they felt out of their comfort zone and responded by focusing on several specific moments of their journey to become a better musician. Writing about a few parts of a story with vivid detail will result in stronger narrative than a more general, big picture account. 

Lastly, the essay is cohesive and moving because of its motif, or recurring theme, of Mr. Laghari’s slip of paper. This one detail ties the whole essay together from start to finish. The motif makes the essay flow well and stay on topic, which are among the greatest challenges for any college essay writer. Of course, the motif makes for an awe-inspiring concluding sentence as well!

The writer could strengthen their essay by responding further to the last question of the prompt about how their moment of discomfort informed their actions moving forward. The writer certainly touches on this, but only talks about working harder as a musician and high school student. Adding a few more sentences to the second-to-last paragraph about their plans for the far future would answer the prompt more completely. For example, they could expand the final sentence of that paragraph to the following:

And with that mindset, I’ve not only placed first in All-Districts on trombone and euphonium, but have made it all the way to All-State. I’m now inspired to put 100% into my dream of becoming a professional musician in a philharmonic orchestra.

Where to Get Your BU Essays Edited

Do you want feedback on your BU essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays.

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. In fact,  Alexander Oddo , an essay expert on CollegeVine, provided commentary on the essays in this post. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

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The BU Trustee Scholarship: Deadlines, Advice & Essay Prompts

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Whether or not you qualify for financial aid, there are other ways to get a full ride to your dream school. If Boston University is yours, then you can apply for their merit-based BU Trustee Scholarship. 

The BU Trustee Scholarship Award

Boston University’s merit-based scholarships recognizes students academic excellence and leadership potential. The BU Trustee Scholarship is awarded to 20 outstanding new freshmen every year. The scholarship covers the students full tuition over their 4 years at BU, as long as they continue to meet the academic criteria.

Application Deadline

All seniors are welcome to apply for the BU Trustee Scholarship. Students who are interested in being a candidate for the BU Trustee Scholarship must complete and submit their BU application through the Common Application by December 1st.

In addition, BU Trustee Scholar applicants are also required to submit 2 additional supplemental essay, which will also be submitted through the Common Application.

Application Essays 

Supplemental Essay 1:

Boston University Trustee Scholars are encouraged to develop well-informed and well-reasoned views of important political, social, and artistic issues. We select students who have a sense of how to present persuasive arguments in support of their views. With that in mind, please select one of the questions below and respond with an essay explaining your perspective in 600 words or less.

Essay Prompt #1

“Some have described the worldwide appeal of populism–a grass-roots force associated with a distrust of political and cultural elites, the attraction to common-sense solutions, and an upsurge in ethnic, religious, or national pride–as a response to the upheavals of globalization. Over the past decades, technology and global trade have cost jobs and emptied cities, income inequality has grown exponentially, and, for many, the values of community and identity seem more threatened today than ever before.”

Essay Prompt #2

“In your view, is the appeal of populism a necessary and positive corrective to the challenges of globalization, an unrealistic or inadequate response to the current age, or some combination of both? Is it an example of democracy at its best or a danger to democratic institutions?”

Essay Prompt #3

“Biospecimens routinely taken during medical procedures such as blood tests, biopsies, and surgeries can be an important source for research into a variety of diseases. In some cases, this research has led to breakthroughs in the development of new drugs and therapies. While protocols are now widespread requiring explicit consent from patients before any specimens are used for research, researchers predict future areas of research, especially regarding genetic material, that are unknown today.

Do you believe patients must give their consent before any biospecimens from their bodies may be used for research? Must all possible areas of research be specified? In cases where the research leads to commercially viable treatments should they or their families be compensated?”

Essay Prompt #4

“The German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wrote: “One cannot escape the world more certainly than through art, and one cannot bind oneself to it more certainly than through art.”

With extended reference one novel, poem, play, piece of music, or work of art, please discuss what you believe this sentence to mean.”

Supplemental Essay 2:

In addition, please submit a short essay of no more than 300 words, to the statement below: “Something that’s not on the resume”. Give us a glimpse of a passion, dream, or mental pursuit that absorbs and delights you.

Student Insight

University of miami ‘19.

In response to one of the prompts to supplemental essay 1:

“It is unjust to claim that some nations must protect their leaders and military personnel from the jurisdiction of the ICC. Some world leaders control their country’s justice system to such an extent that the system is powerless and unable to confront them. Leaders like Kim Jong-un and Omar Hassan Al-Bashir must be under the jurisdiction of the ICC because courts in their own countries are unable to try their crimes. The leaders of our world must be held to a standard equal to or higher than the standard we hold the citizens of the world to.” Read her full BU Trustee Scholarship application.  

Dev Blair 

Boston university ‘19.

I applied for the Trustee ad Presidential scholarships via BU. These were merit-based and so they had to do with my grades. I received neither, understandably as my grades are generally average (As and Bs with the occasional C and only two or so pitfall Ds). I applied for outside scholarships as well, but a tip for these is to apply while you are still in application mode. Read his full BU application file and application advice.

——

Our  premium plans  offer different level of profile access and data insights that can help you get into your dream school. Unlock any of our  packages  or search our  undergraduate profile database  to find specific profiles that can help you make an informed choice about where to apply!

About The Author

Frances was born in Hong Kong and received her bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University. She loves super sad drama television, cooking, and reading. Her favorite person on Earth isn’t actually a member of the AdmitSee team - it’s her dog Cooper.

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Boston University Supplemental Essay 2023-24 Prompts and Advice

August 14, 2023

With almost 81,000 applications from those wishing to join the Class of 2027, Boston University has entered the realm of the most desirable private universities on the planet. It also continues to climb to new heights in terms of selectivity with just an 11% acceptance rate for entering 2023-24 freshmen. In contrast, just twenty years ago, BU accepted 70% of those who applied. This brings us to the topic of the Boston University supplemental essay.

(Want to learn more about How to Get Into BU? Visit our blog entitled:  How to Get Into Boston University  for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.)

Boston University has become a school where you may need more than just strong grades and test scores to gain acceptance—the average SAT for those submitting applications last cycle was 1441. Through its one required essay prompt, the BU supplemental essay affords applicants an opportunity to showcase what makes them uniquely qualified for admission. Below are the Boston University supplemental prompt options for the 2023-24 admissions cycle along with tips about how to address them:

2023-2024 Boston University Supplemental Essays

Boston University is dedicated to our founding principles: “that higher education should be accessible to all and that research, scholarship, artistic creation, and professional practice should be conducted in the service of the wider community—local and international. These principles endure in the University’s insistence on the value of diversity in its tradition and standards of excellence and its dynamic engagement with the City of Boston and the world.”  With this mission in mind, please respond to one of the following two questions in 300 words or less:

1. Reflect on a social or community issue that deeply resonates with you. Why is it important to you, and how have you been involved in addressing or raising awareness about it?

2. What about being a student at BU most excites you? How do you hope to contribute to our campus community?

Note regarding word count: Although BU asks you to respond in less than 300 words, the Common App provides 350 words of space.

Prompt Option #1

Reflect on a social or community issue that deeply resonates with you. Why is it important to you, and how have you been involved in addressing or raising awareness about it?

To craft a strong response to this prompt, you’ll first need to choose an issue that is important to you on either a global, regional, or community scale. If you pick something general (and popular), like women’s rights or social media, consider choosing a specific angle that relates to you personally. For example, while tackling “social media” in general would be a daunting proposition, discussing a particular platform or the impact of technology on your interpersonal relationships could be far more specific and accessible.

Boston University Supplemental Essays (Continued)

To answer the second part of the prompt, you’ll need to discuss how you’ve engaged with the issue in real life. Have you attended rallies, protests, or fundraisers? Did you create or join an after-school club or volunteer opportunity? Have you shared your perspective at community or school board meetings? On a smaller scale, have you made an effort to converse with peers and/or adults about your chosen issue? If so, what was the outcome?

This prompt is not asking for a hypothetical answer. Therefore, crafting an effective response will necessitate that you have outwardly engaged with your issue of choice on some level . As such, if you have trouble brainstorming an issue that you have addressed or raised awareness about, you’ll likely want to respond to the second prompt option instead.

Prompt Option #2

What about being a student at BU most excites you? How do you hope to contribute to our campus community?

This is your quintessential “Why Us?” essay which comes with the typical pitfalls you’ll want to avoid. We don’t want to label these as “mistakes” (there is nothing inherently wrong with them). They just don’t add any needle-moving value, which is, of course, the only goal here!

Common components of a vanilla “Why BU?” essay

• Generalities about why Boston is an ideal location for your college experience.
• Generalities about why Boston is an exciting/cosmopolitan/diverse/culture-filled city.
• BU’s ranking, prestige, or reputation.
• Too many generic expressions of feeling (e.g., I know with all my being that BU is the school for me… ).
• Recycled statements from your other “Why Us?” essays that come across as stale, impersonal, or worst of all–irrelevant/inaccurate.
• Lastly (and most importantly), mentioning Fenway Park.

How to write a winning “Why BU?” essay

First things first—consider why you’re excited to become a BU student. Is it the  academic programs , professors,  research opportunities ,  internship/externship programs ,  study abroad programs ,  student-run organizations , mission statement , etc.? Try focusing on 2-3 offerings that feel particularly significant rather than attempting to create a laundry list of everything you might possibly take advantage of. In addition, be sure to address how you will take advantage of the resources you decide to write about.

Secondly, you’ll need to discuss your prospective contribution to the BU campus. How will you be an active community member? Will your past/current endeavors carry over onto BU’s campus? How so? Will you bring special talents or passions?

In any “Why Us?” composition, you need to show that you’ve done your homework on a given school. However, you don’t want it to read like a robotic list of items that you Googled five minutes before writing the essay (even if the timing of the Google search is roughly accurate). In addition to the pure research element, a lot of the time and skill required in creating a stellar BU essay will involve connecting your selected opportunities of interest to your distinct values, talents, aims, proficiencies, and future goals.

Should I answer the optional BU question?

Please use this space if you have additional information, materials, or writing samples you would like us to consider.

When considering whether or not to utilize this inviting blank space, consider that the BU admissions office is deluged with applications and will only want to see highly compelling and essential information included in this section. For more on how to decide whether or not to take advantage of any Additional Information section in an application visit our  blog on the subject .

How important is the essay at BU?

The factors that Boston University weighs as being “very important” in evaluating a candidate are the rigor of your secondary school record, class rank, GPA, standardized test scores, and talent/ability. The essay is “important” and sits alongside letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, and character/personal qualities.

Boston University Supplemental Essays – Want Personalized Essay Assistance?

In conclusion, if you are interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your Boston University supplemental essay, we encourage you to  get a quote  today.

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How to Respond to the 2023/2024 Boston University Supplemental Essay Prompts

Ginny Howey is a former content writer at Scholarships360. Ginny graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in May 2022 with a degree in Media and Journalism (Advertising/PR focus) and minors in Entrepreneurship and Spanish. Ginny’s professional experience includes two summers as a writer intern at global creative consultancy BCG BrightHouse. More recently, Ginny worked as a content marketing intern for Durham-based software engineering bootcamp Momentum, where she gained SEO skills. She has also written freelance articles on emerging tech for A.I. startup Resultid.

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Cece Gilmore is a Content Writer at Scholarships360. Cece earned her undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Arizona State University. While at ASU, she was the education editor as well as a published staff reporter at Downtown Devil. Cece was also the co-host of her own radio show on Blaze Radio ASU.

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For many students, supplemental essays can be one of the most intimidating portions of a college application. But they are not so bad! The Boston University supplemental essays invite you to elaborate on the experiences and perspectives you bring to the table. Plus, they are your chance to show admissions why their school is your ideal place to study. 

Boston University has two supplemental essay prompts to choose from.  If you are applying to multiple schools, these may be shorter questions than you are used to. However, the prompt’s simplicity makes it especially important to come up with a thoughtful, fresh answer. 

We will walk you through both prompts and provide questions to begin asking yourself. These thought starters will help you generate ideas and find the story you’d most like to share. 

Related: Scholarships360’s free scholarship search tool

“ Reflect on a social or community issue that deeply resonates with you. Why is it important to you, and how have you been involved in addressing or raising awareness about it? (300 words)”

This prompt is perfectly setting you up to tell a narrative about something you are passionate about! This issue can be as big or as small as you want it to be, what matters most is that you are animated about this topic and have some prior experience and knowledge on this issue. To begin, you should brainstorm a time in your life in which you’ve solved a problem. For example, perhaps you noticed that there were no recycling cans in your high school so you discussed with the student council how to add recycling cans to your school. Another example could be something even smaller such as posting a news article on your social media pages in order to spread awareness about the cause. 

Whatever your story, tell it! Describe it in detail by listing your emotions, actions, and lessons learned from helping raise awareness about an issue you are passionate about! This prompt can be easy to get lost in by writing all about the issue and not enough about you. Remember, you are the one who wants to be accepted to Boston University – not your issue! Additionally, you should finish your response by detailing a lesson you learned or how advocating for an issue made you feel. 

Questions to consider: 

• What issues most matter to you? What gets you fired up? 
• If you could have an unlimited budget to donate to a charity, which one would you select? 
• Have you ever volunteered somewhere you were passionate about? What impact did you have and what did you learn from this experience? 

“What about being a student at Boston University most excites you? (300 words)”

To ace this prompt, you need to do some research. There are tons of exciting aspects about college, from living in a dorm to picking a major to cheering on your school’s athletic teams. But what is it about BU specifically that makes it your dream? Explore BU’s website , look at the course catalog, and check out its social media pages. Take notes on anything about the school that genuinely intrigues you! Another way to approach this essay is to think of what you are currently involved with in high school, or any passions you have. Look into what BU offers that might allow you to channel those interests. How does BU fulfill what you desire out of your college experience more than any other school? When you back up that claim with examples, it signals you have done your homework.

• Do you have any personal connections to Boston University? Such as family members whose pride for their school is something you admire and wish to have yourself? 
• Does BU have any clubs you can see yourself belonging to? Or something that energizes you academically, like a unique study abroad program?  
• When you look at the school’s values, mission statements, etc., how do those matchup with your own character? 

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Final thoughts.

After reading the above tips, you should be well on your way to writing stellar Boston University supplemental essays! Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to write and revise. 300 words is not “a lot” for most students who are applying to a college like Boston University. However, it is all the more challenging (and fun!) to allow “you” to come through with such a limited word limit. Best of luck with your supplemental essays!

Also see: How to choose a college

Additional resources

Make sure to check out our guides on writing both 250 word and 500 word essays . Our guide to responding to the Common App prompts might also come in handy, so take a look. When you are done writing your application essays, make sure to take the time to apply for scholarships.  Our free scholarship search tool is the perfect platform to custom-match you to vetted scholarships. Our easy to navigate platform will keep you on target, as it automatically updates when new opportunities are available (and reminds you about deadlines of all!). Good luck on your academic journey! 

Related: How to write an essay about yourself

Keep reading…

• How to write a 250 word essay
• College essay primer: Show, don’t tell
• How many schools should I apply to?
• When Should I Apply to College?

Other colleges to consider

• Boston College (Chestnut Hill, MA)
• Northwestern University (Evanston, IL)
• New York University (New York, NY)

Frequently asked questions about the Boston University supplemental essay prompts

How long should my boston university supplemental essays be, can i reuse my common app personal statement for one of the supplemental essays, when are the application deadlines for boston university, can i get creative with my boston university supplemental essay answers, scholarships360 recommended.

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How to win Boston University Scholarships

Boston university scholarships – introduction.

The cost of college is undoubtedly a substantial investment. While the Boston University tuition may seem overwhelming, remember that there are Boston University scholarships. These can offset some (or maybe even all) of the cost of college tuition. 

The Boston University tuition is $63,798 , making it one of the more expensive universities in the nation. But don’t stress quite yet. While the initial Boston University tuition may seem high, there are Boston University scholarships, such as the Trustee Scholarship at Boston University. The school also offers financial aid to make the cost of college more accessible .

However, winning merit-based scholarships for college can be challenging. Boston University admissions states that they meet 100% of need for their incoming students, awarding over 300 million dollars to undergraduates. However, only 8% of the aid given to help with the Boston University tuition is done so through merit-based scholarships for college. 

So, how can you get one of these elite Boston University scholarships?

At CollegeAdvisor.com, we break down some of the top merit-based scholarships for college across the country to help you finance your college dreams. In this article, we’ll focus on Boston University scholarships, specifically the BU Trustee Scholarship.

What we’ll cover in this “Boston University Scholarships” article: 

• What merit-based scholarships are
• How to win merit-based scholarships
• All about the Boston University merit scholarships, including the Boston University Trustee Scholarship
• Meeting the Boston University scholarships deadlines, and more!

CollegeAdvisor.com is here to help with everything from asking for letters of recommendation to enrolling in college . But, for now, let’s focus on the Trustee Scholarship at Boston University, as well as their other merit-based scholarships

What is a Merit-Based Scholarship?

Merit-based scholarships are the financial support offered to students based on their academic achievements. They differ from financial aid scholarships in that they are not need-based. These scholarships for college are awarded based on other factors: grades, extracurriculars, standardized test scores, community involvement, etc.

The goal of Boston University scholarships is to reward and recognize excellence . Boston University admissions is highly selective. The Trustee Scholarship at Boston University, which covers the full Boston University tuition, is even more competitive. While it’s not impossible to win Boston University scholarships, it does take some early planning and outstanding academics. Specifically, you need to maintain an above- average GPA throughout high school.

The merit-based scholarships awarded to first-year students are the BU Trustee Scholarship, Presidential Scholarship, National Merit Scholarship, College Board National Recognition Programs, and the College of Engineering FIRST Robotics Scholarship. The amounts of these scholarships range from $25,000 to full tuition. 

While the Boston University Trustee Scholarship is the most sought-after merit-based scholarship, BU does offer others. While most Boston University scholarships are based on academics, there are some that are based on a student’s other exceptional abilities (athletics, art, leadership, etc.). 

Interested in finding and applying to merit-based scholarships at other schools? Check out how to win scholarships for college at Vanderbilt and USC . Or learn how to look for and win outside scholarships for college such as the Coca-Cola Scholarship.  

How can I win merit-based scholarships?

Having the full cost of college covered sounds great, right? Indeed, merit-based scholarships are a wonderful opportunity to offset the Boston University tuition. But, what does it take to win the Boston University Trustee Scholarship (or any of the Boston University merit scholarships)?

Winning merit-based scholarships for college is hard. Schools award them on the basis of exceptional talent, whether academic, artistic, or athletic. BU awards the top Boston University merit scholarships to incoming freshmen who were high-achieving academic students who showed leadership through extracurriculars or community involvement. 

The Boston University Trustee Scholarship winners ranked in the top 5% of their graduating class. Further, they had SAT scores over 1500 and ACT scores above 33. Those may be some intimidating statistics, but there are ways to improve your odds and win merit-based scholarships. 

Top tips to win the Boston University Trustee Scholarship (or other Boston University scholarships): 

1. display academic excellence.

Getting high grades in challenging courses is vital to winning the Boston Trustee scholarship. Plan to take AP classes in subjects that you excel in. You’ll need a high GPA for the Trustee Scholarship at Boston University.

2. Demonstrate leadership

Extracurriculars and community involvement will demonstrate your excellent leadership skills. This will help you stand out from the pool of 4.0 GPA-achieving applicants and win Boston University scholarships. Therefore, get involved early in your high school career. Choose activities that interest you and stick with them. 

3. Show off writing skills

You’ll need to show off your writing chops with your Boston University Trustee scholarship essay. This is your chance to say why you deserve the scholarship, but also to impress with some dazzling writing skills. Start early . You’ll want to draft, edit, revise, and repeat. 

4. Meet deadlines

Make sure that you submit everything by the Boston University Trustee Scholarship deadline. That means finishing your Boston University application, supplemental materials, and Boston University Trustee Scholarship essay in time. 

Are there Boston University merit scholarships?

Boston University admissions offers merit-based scholarships for college to eligible incoming freshmen. The Boston University Trustee Scholarship covers recipients’ full Boston University tuition. However, the competition is fierce. 

Aside from the BU Trustee Scholarship, there are other Boston University scholarships based on academic achievement available. Check out these merit-based scholarships for incoming freshmen. 

Furthermore, there are Boston University merit scholarships for students who excel in areas other than academics, such as athletics and the arts. Check out the full list of Boston University scholarships for college. 

What is the Trustee Scholarship?

Since the Boston University Trustee Scholarship offers its scholars a full ride, it’s no wonder the Boston University Trustee Scholarship has caught your attention. The Boston Trustee Scholarship is the most elite scholarship that the university offers. Winners of the Boston University Trustee Scholarship receive full tuition and the cost of undergraduate mandatory fees. If all criteria are met, scholars can renew their Boston University Trustee Scholarship for their four years at a university. 

Only 20 exceptional students receive the Boston University Trustee Scholarship each year. The Boston University Trustee Scholarship winners rank at the top of their high school class and have perfect 4.0 GPAs in high school. Recipients of the Boston Trustee scholarship show not only academic excellence but also achievements that go beyond the classroom. Boston University Trustee Scholarship winners also are intellectually curious and creative leaders. 

If you’re interested in applying to the BU Trustee Scholarship, submit your Boston University application via the Common App (with all required materials) by December 1 st . In addition, you must complete the Boston University Trustee Scholarship essay. This will be found on the Common Application, as part of your Boston University application. 

We’ll expand more on the eligibility requirements for the Boston University Trustee Scholarship later in this “Boston University Scholarships” article. 

What does the BU Trustee Scholarship cover?

Boston University tuition is high. Luckily, if you’re eligible, you can get financial aid and Boston University scholarships. The Boston University Trustee Scholarship is the most prestigious of the Boston University scholarships offered to incoming freshmen. 

The Trustee Scholarship at Boston University covers the full tuition cost and mandatory undergraduate student fees. Boston University Trustee Scholarship winners can renew their BU Trustee Scholarship yearly if they meet certain criteria. 

For more specific details on what the Boston Trustee Scholarship covers, you can contact the financial aid office at 617-353-2320.

How hard is it to win the Boston University Trustee Scholarship?

The cost of universities across the nation is high. For this reason,  all merit-based scholarships are competitive. The Boston University Trustee Scholarship is no exception. The BU acceptance rate is just below 19% , making Boston University admissions highly selective . Even so, the Boston University Trustee Scholarship is even more selective.

Amongst students Boston University admissions decides to admit, only 20 will receive the Boston University Trustee Scholarship. Boston University Trustee Scholarship winners are well supported with the cost of college. Those who receive the BU Trustee Scholarship will have their full tuition and mandatory undergraduate fees covered. The Boston Trustee Scholarship is renewable for scholars’ four years at school. 

Academics are extremely important in obtaining the elite Trustee Scholarship at Boston University. The winners of the Boston University Trustee Scholarship have perfect 4.0 GPAs throughout high school, high standardized test scores, and rank high in their graduating class. Therefore, focus on maintaining high grades throughout high school. 

If you want to win a Boston University Trustee Scholarship, extracurriculars and community involvement are also vital. Choose activities that you enjoy and can commit to early on in your school career. Boston University Trustee Scholarship winners are exceptionally well-rounded, high-achieving students.  

Trustee Scholarship Eligibility Requirements

In order to win Boston University scholarships, you must excel academically and meet all other eligibility requirements. When applying for merit-based scholarships for college, the first step is to check the requirements to make sure you submit everything correctly and on time. 

Firstly, for the most complete and up-to-date information, always check the eligibility requirements for Boston University scholarships on their website . 

The Boston Trustee Scholarship requirements are straightforward. To apply for the Boston Trustee Scholarship, students must submit the Common App with all required materials and the Boston University Trustee Scholarship essay by December 1 st . These required materials include all the regular Common App requirements and one additional 600-word essay. You will find more information on that essay below.

Only 20 students will receive the Trustee Scholarship at Boston University. Therefore, only apply if you are a top-ranked student, with a high GPA, and outstanding extracurriculars and/or community involvement. 

The Boston University Trustee Scholarship Application

There aren’t many additional requirements when applying for the Boston University Trustee Scholarship. Students need to fill out their Boston University application in Common App with all the required supplemental materials by December 1 st . 

In addition to the regular admissions Common App materials, in order to be in with a chance of winning the Boston Trustee Scholarship, you’ll also need to submit the Boston University Trustee Scholarship essay. You should submit the Boston University Trustee Scholarship essay in addition to your other Boston University application essays, as a part of the Common App. 

Students must choose to respond to one of the following prompts (600-word max): 

Nobel laureate and BU professor Elie Wiesel once said: “There is divine beauty in learning… To learn means to accept the postulate that life did not begin at my birth. Others have been here before me, and I walk in their footsteps. The books I have read were composed by generations of fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, teachers and disciples. I am the sum total of their experiences, their quests.” Is there a book, film, podcast or life- experience that has made you feel more connected to your personal history/identity, and what is the most important thing you learned from it?

Describe a time when you felt out of your comfort zone or marginalized in a situation. How did you respond to that moment and how has it informed your actions moving forward?

To give yourself the best chance of winning the Trustee Scholarship at Boston University, choose the essay topic that most excites you. Start brainstorming ideas early. Give yourself plenty of time to draft, edit, and revise. You’ll want to answer the prompt, show your personality, and display your writing style all with impeccable mechanics. 

The Common App opens on August 1 st . Make sure to start your Boston University application early. This way, you’ll have plenty of time to craft your Boston University application in a way that showcases your abilities in the best manner. Finally, be sure to check the site for the most up-to-date essay BU Trustee Scholarship requirement information.

What are the other Boston University merit scholarships?

The Boston University Trustee Scholarship is the most prestigious of the Boston University merit scholarships, but it certainly isn’t the only one. There are many other Boston University scholarships that can help students fund the cost of college. 

Let’s review the details of four Boston University merit scholarships for first-year students, besides the Trustee Scholarship at Boston University. 

Boston University’s Presidential Scholarship

The Presidential Scholarship is awarded to students who excel academically. Winners of this scholarship will also need to show leadership ability and skills outside of the classroom through extracurriculars and community involvement. 

The Presidential Scholarship awards $25,000 towards Boston University tuition. You don’t need to submit any additional requirements in order to apply. Just be sure to submit your regular application with all required materials by December 1 st . 

National Merit Scholarship

Boston University offers the National Merit Scholarship to students who are finalists in the National Merit Competition. To enter, finalists must state BU as their first choice college with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation by March 1 st . Winners of these Boston University scholarships are awarded a $25,000 renewable scholarship towards tuition (the Presidential Scholarship). To give yourself the best chances, start preparing early. 

Interested? Find out more about how to enter the National Merit Competition below . 

How to Win a National Merit Scholarship

College Board National Recognition Program

Another way to win the Presidential Scholarship is through the College Board National Recognition Programs . You’re eligible if you have been recognized by the College Board National Recognition Program, and have a strong academic record. The scholarship awards $25,000 to its recipients, which is renewable for four years. Students identifying as Indigenous, Latinx or Hispanic, African American, and those who attend a small, rural school are eligible to apply. This Boston University application needs to be submitted by January 1st. If College Board does select you, the Board of Admission and the Scholarship Committee at BU will consider you for the Presidential Scholarship. 

Boston University College of Engineering Scholarship

The College of Engineering FIRST Robotics Scholarship is another $25,000, four-year renewable scholarship to cover tuition. To be eligible, you need to have taken part in the FIRST Robotics program during high school for at least one season. You also need to have gained acceptance to the College of Engineering at BU. You need to submit the application to the College of Engineering, with all additional materials, by January 4 th . In addition, you must submit a recommendation form and letter of recommendation found here by February 1 st . You must also be a US citizen or US permanent resident. 

Boston University Scholarship Deadlines

Meeting the eligibility requirements for the Boston University Trustee Scholarship and the other Boston University scholarships is extremely important. That means meeting all of the deadlines for these merit-based scholarships for college, including the Boston University Trustee Scholarship deadline. Submit late and BU won’t consider you for the BU Trustee Scholarship or any of the other Boston University merit scholarships. 

Here is a table with some important deadlines for the Boston University merit scholarships: 

Start your applications early in order to ensure you complete all the requirements before these Boston University scholarships deadlines. Staying organized throughout the college application process is key. The fall of senior year is always hectic. It can be difficult to juggle applications for merit-based scholarships at the same time as college applications. Try to create (and stick to) a timeline that will ensure you have plenty of time to complete all materials and meet your deadlines. 

Boston University Scholarship – FAQs

We’ve delved into many of the details on the Boston Trustee Scholarship, including the Boston University Trustee Scholarship deadline and application requirements. Applying to scholarships for college and financial aid can be tough. But everyone has similar questions about Boston University Scholarships. 

So, let’s go over some of the FAQs pertaining to the BU Trustee Scholarship and other Boston University merit scholarships. 

How much do the BU Scholarships award students?

The amounts BU awards to students will depend on the Boston University merit scholarships they receive. The Trustee Scholarship at Boston University awards students their full tuition and mandatory undergraduate fees. The other scholarships for college mentioned awarding $25,000 towards tuition. 

Do the Boston University scholarships renew each year?

All of the Boston University merit scholarships mentioned in this article, including the BU Trustee Scholarship, renew yearly if students meet certain criteria. Make sure you know the criteria if awarded one of the Boston University merit scholarships. 

How competitive are BU scholarships?

The Boston University acceptance rate is highly competitive , and their merit-based scholarships are even more competitive. Boston University Trustee Scholarship winners are held to the highest academic standards. In order to improve your chances of winning one of the merit-based scholarships, make sure you excel academically and get involved in extracurriculars. 

How do you receive your funding from the BU scholarships?

BU will send the Boston University merit scholarships directly to your student account. The tuition cost you’re responsible for covering will have your scholarship amount factored into it unless you receive the BU Trustee Scholarship, which covers full tuition. 

Can I apply for merit-based scholarships if I don’t qualify for financial aid?

Students are able to apply for merit-based scholarships if they don’t qualify for financial aid. BU states that it covers 100% of demonstrated need of its students. That’s done through a combination of work study, BU scholarships, and grants. If requiring financial aid, do so through affordableBU , and make sure to complete your CSS Profile and the FAFSA before the deadlines. 

The cost of college is an important factor in the college decision process. Make sure you know all the facts and meet the deadlines. And remember – there’s no way you can obtain the BU Trustee Scholarship without meeting the Boston University Trustee Scholarship deadline.

Need motivation when applying to scholarships? Check out this webinar to learn all about BU from an admissions expert and get excited about your potential future college home.  

5 Tips to win Boston University Scholarships

Merit-based Boston University scholarships for college are competitive, but not impossible. Boston University merit scholarships are difficult to obtain, especially the Boston University Trustee Scholarship. For this reason, we’ve compiled some tips to give you the best odds at winning scholarships for college. 

1. Achieve high grades

If we look at the BU Trustee Scholarship for guidance, then academics are most important. Work to achieve high grades throughout high school. Take AP and IB courses that interest you to help increase your GPA. Boston University Trustee Scholarship winners had an average GPA of 4.0 throughout high school and ranked high in their graduating class. In short, academic achievement is key in obtaining merit-based Boston University scholarships, so plan early and focus on your studies. 

2. Do some test prep

While submitting standardized test scores is currently optional, high test scores could help your Boston University application stand out. Students granted the Boston Trustee Scholarship who submitted scores had an SAT score of over 1500 and an ACT score above 33. Start prepping for exams early on and sign up for a test by the beginning of your junior year. 

3. Participate in extracurriculars

The Trustee Scholarship at Boston University is awarded to 20 well-rounded and high-achieving students yearly. Winners need to have impressive extracurriculars that show leadership and academic curiosity. Don’t sign up for every school club, though. Choose extracurriculars that interest you and enable you to grow as a leader. 

4. Get involved in your community

Community involvement is important when it comes to gaining merit-based scholarships. This could be tied into the extracurriculars you dot. Being an active participant and leader in your community will impress Boston University admissions. When combined with academic achievement, it will make you a competitive candidate for Boston University merit scholarships. 

5. Compelling essays

Essays are important in the application process. The same goes when it comes to obtaining merit-based scholarships for college. Really focus on your BU Trustee Scholarship essay. Start writing it early. You should carefully and thoughtfully respond to the prompt while demonstrating your writing style, and showing impeccable mechanics. 

As well as these tips, make sure you meet the Boston University Trustee Scholarship deadline or the other Boston University scholarships deadlines. This will give you the best shot at winning one of the Boston University scholarships for college. 

How to win Boston University scholarships- Final Thoughts

In this “Boston University Scholarships” article, we’ve learned all the details on the Boston University Trustee Scholarship and touched on some other Boston University merit scholarships. We’ve covered everything from academic importance to the Boston University Trustee Scholarship deadline. 

When working on your Boston University application, keep in mind the Boston University merit scholarships deadlines, especially the Boston University Trustee Scholarship deadline since it requires the Boston University Trustee scholarship essay. 

Merit-based scholarships for college are an excellent way to offset the high cost of college. Guidance and support can be especially helpful when applying for competitive merit-based scholarships for college such as the Boston Trustee Scholarship. CollegeAdvisor is here to support you throughout your journey, as you apply to merit-based scholarships, finalize your college list, and write your essays. If you’re keen to get into the school of your dreams with a merit-based scholarship, get in touch ! 

This article was written by Sarah Kaminski. If you want to get help with your college applications from CollegeAdvisor.com  Admissions Experts ,  register with CollegeAdvisor.com today.  Also, check out our other guides to  Merit-Based Scholarships  as you embark on your college application journey!

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How to write boston university essays, updated for 2023-2024.

Boston University is dedicated to our founding principles: “that higher education should be accessible to all and that research, scholarship, artistic creation, and professional practice should be conducted in the service of the wider community—local and international. These principles endure in the University’s insistence on the value of diversity in its tradition and standards of excellence and its dynamic engagement with the City of Boston and the world.” With this mission in mind, please respond to one of the following two questions in 300 words or less: (Required)

1. Reflect on a social or community issue that deeply resonates with you. Why is it important to you, and how have you been involved in addressing or raising awareness about it?

2. What about being a student at BU most excites you? How do you hope to contribute to our campus community?*

Whether you choose to answer question 1 or question 2, your overarching goal should be to highlight the ways in which your values overlap with those of BU as they are explained in the first part of the prompt. This is your chance to show the admissions officers that you’re a good fit for their campus community, and, likewise, that their school is a good fit for you.

Option 1 Explanation:

If you choose Option 1, you should view it as an opportunity to both brag about one of your extracurricular accomplishments or passion project, and shed some light on what you value as a citizen of your local, national and international community.

Note that there are two parts to this prompt:

• Why the issue is important to you
• How you’ve been involved and addressing/raising awareness of it

Make sure to address both parts.

Work backwards as you brainstorm your essay. Start by thinking of ways you have addressed or raised awareness about a social or community issue. Have you raised money for a cause, held an event educating community members or your peers, distributed informational pamphlets, founded a club, hosted an event, or volunteered for an organization or institution? Be sure to write about something that you have actively accomplished—avoid writing about an issue that you care about but haven’t addressed.

Discussing the way(s) you have addressed the issue you care about is an excellent opportunity to provide more detail about an activity on your Common App Activities List. If you can, substantiate your accomplishment with quantitative numbers—“raised X amount of dollars,” “donated X pounds of canned food,” etc.

Then, write about why this issue is important to you. Much like your personal statement, you want to write an essay only you can write, so avoid writing something generic about an issue most people care about . Resist the temptation to focus on an overly political or partisan subject, especially one that’s discussed nationally. If you feel like you can offer a nuanced, interesting answer, go for it, but don’t be afraid to write about a more local issue. It doesn’t have to have national importance—the prompt asks why the issue is important to you as an individual. Describing a personal connection to the issue can be a good way of illustrating why it is important to you; perhaps it’s affecting your city, state or a friend or a family member.

If nothing unique comes to mind, opt for the second prompt.

Keep in mind that BU emphasizes accessibility, service of the local and international community, diversity, and excellence. When you write why the issue is important to you, be sure to tie your discussion back to one (or more) of the BU values to emphasize that you hold values in common with the school.

For most of my childhood, the only computer I had was a boxy, early 2000s PC my mom used once a week to browse Facebook. I didn’t realize that my technological skills were far behind my classmates’ until middle school, when we were expected to know how to Google reliable sources, use Word, and run different software programs.

With effort and dedication, I slowly developed the digital skills to match my peers’ throughout middle and high school. Now, I am passionate about increasing access to technology and closing the gap in digital literacy for students like me.

Comparing my own experience with that of my fellow students helped me to recognize the need to level the playing field. I founded a school club, Students for Digital Access, which aims to donate laptops to underprivileged students. I partnered with my library to host a technology drive, encouraging community members to donate their old laptops and tablets, and then worked with the local tech store to refurbish and donate the laptops to members of my school community. I successfully provided forty-seven laptops to students in need. This initiative enabled students to engage in online learning and explore digital resources, and underscored the significance of community collaboration in driving positive change.

Advocacy has been central to my efforts. Collaborating with other student organizations, I have organized a panel discussion on the impact of the digital divide and potential solutions. I also wrote an article for my local paper, highlighting the intersection of technology access, education, and social equity.

Ultimately, by cultivating digital literacy, I contribute to a more inclusive and interconnected community. I especially resonate with BU’s value of service, as I work towards a future where every individual has equal opportunities to harness the power of technology for personal and communal advancement.

Option 2 Explanation:

Again, note that there are two parts to this prompt:

• What excites you about being a student at BU
• How you hope to contribute to the campus community.

A strong answer to this question will connect the two together.

Root your answer to the first part in opportunities/qualities that are unique to BU and BU alone. For instance, there are many colleges in Boston, so avoid writing about opportunities specific to Boston and write about opportunities specific to BU. Offer detailed examples when writing about majors, programs, clubs, exact locations, living environments, etc. You can find a lot of this on BU’s website—they even publish a full list of clubs that you can explore. In addition, searching for interesting lectures by BU professors or BU professors researching areas you’re passionate about is another strong way to show this interest. In general, don’t overstuff an answer with this content, but three to four references work well in most cases.

Think of this as an “ask not what BU can do for you, ask what you can do for BU” question. Be sure to tie in your answer to the first question to your unique skills and perspective (that should be visible on other parts of the application) when discussing how you’ll contribute to the campus community.

Be thorough – Essays are evaluated both for their content and for their grammar, so make sure that you take the time to read your essay out loud, meticulously proofread it at least twice, and even have a trusted, experienced adult (like an English teacher) review your essay before you click submit. Don’t lose points because of basic grammar mistakes .

Be thoughtful and original – Think deeply about each topic you write about. Avoid writing platitudes. Strive to find ideas that feel new and don’t fall into typical high school tropes. Show off your personality and what makes you unique!

Be mature – Aim to be self-aware with everything you write, and avoid coming across as overconfident, entitled, or too pessimistic.

From first looking at countries’ GDPs without knowing what they meant to exploring neo-classical theory, the study of economics has harnessed my intellectual curiosity. Exploring the discipline has challenged me to think about conflicts in religion, culture, and ethics that have significant impact on our day-to-day lives: a research interest I would love to continue studying as an Economics major and Religion minor at BU.

My independent engagement with books like The Undercover Economist and Richard Thaler’s Misbehaving have piqued my curiosity about Behavioral and Development economics. I would be eager to work with Boston University Professor Raymond Fisman, whose research explores the connection between religion-based communities and lending. My own interest in this connection resulted from researching the contribution of religious pilgrimage and tourism in Mecca for my IB Extended Essay over the past year. Additionally, minoring in religion at BU will enable me to understand the values and foundations of economic and organizational practices around the world.

After serving as chief editor of my school’s student newspaper for two years, I aspire to join magazines like BU’s International Relations Review and the Daily Free Press. I view storytelling as a powerful tool for fostering empathy and understanding, and I would love to use my writing to promote dialogue on challenging issues like religion and economic inequality. BU’s founding principle that research and scholarship should be conducted in service of the wider community resonates with my own belief that education can breed tolerance; a goal I hope to work towards through my studies and involvement at BU.

Additional Information (optional): Please use this space if you have additional information, materials, or writing samples you would like us to consider.

Explanation:

This section is 100% optional, but it can be a good place to share a short piece of writing you’re especially proud of or briefly write more thoroughly about an area you feel like you didn’t have enough space to discuss in the rest of the application (maybe your passion project, or a specific work experience, etc.) The key here is to keep it succinct and only write about something that’s very important to you or unique.

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Boston University (BU) 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 4

You Have: 

Boston University (BU) 2023-24 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 1 essay of 300 words

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why

Boston University is dedicated to our founding principles: “that higher education should be accessible to all and that research, scholarship, artistic creation, and professional practice should be conducted in the service of the wider community—local and international. These principles endure in the University’s insistence on the value of diversity in its tradition and standards of excellence and its dynamic engagement with the City of Boston and the world.” With this mission in mind, please respond to one of the following two questions in 300 words or less:

1. reflect on a social or community issue that deeply resonates with you. why is it important to you, and how have you been involved in addressing or raising awareness about it.

This is your opportunity to not only show admissions that you’re paying attention to the world around you, but also demonstrate your creativity and vision. Start by brainstorming a few problems or challenges—big and small—that bother you or impact your life in some capacity. Maybe it’s rampant wildfires, trans rights, or accessibility issues in your community. The scope and scale of your problem can vary. With this prompt, it’s a good idea that you touch on when or where your passion first began and how it developed over time. Show that you’re not only informed and concerned, but also actively engaged in addressing the problem head on (in one to three innovative ways). This prompt gives you a wonderful opportunity to reveal something new about yourself through discussing your enthusiastic engagement with a given issue; in the process, you will showcase your curious, well-rounded nature to admissions—and huzzah for that!

2. What about being a student at BU most excites you? How do you hope to contribute to our campus community?

With this prompt, BU is marrying two classics: the Why Essay and the Community Essay. The point of this sort of prompt is twofold: to learn what makes you tick and to gauge your commitment to the school. So, the more time you spend researching the school and their unique offerings, the better you’ll be able to demonstrate both. Spend some quality time poring over the school website. Take notes on anything and everything that appeals to you across all aspects of student life: classes, professors, labs, clubs, speakers, location—literally everything! The point is to paint a picture for admissions that clues them into your passions and demonstrates how BU will help you cultivate them. Once you’ve completed your preliminary research, narrow the list to your top five or so items to focus on. Remember, your essay should not only reveal information about your interests, but also your vision for engaging with the campus community from your first day on campus.

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I visited Boston twice before moving here for college. The first time I was a teen, and my parents, my brother and I stayed in Burlington, a suburb about 12 miles from the city. We did all the typical touristy things, like walking the Freedom Trail, getting our caricatures drawn on the Common and taking a Duck Tour. I can still recall the thrill of the paved road giving way to water as we quacked down the Charles River.

I thought Boston was “cute” compared to New York, and we didn’t even live in the city. We were bridge and tunnel all the way. After emigrating from Moscow at the tail-end of the USSR when I was 11, my family bounced around various non-hip Brooklyn neighborhoods before settling in Sheepshead Bay. I was a junior in high school by then. After commuting the first two years, my school ended up being just a 20-minute walk from our new house. But by that time, I kind of hated it.

My school was small. And by small, I mean tiny — a graduating class of 14 people — which is wild in a borough of 2.6 million people. My brother and I enrolled there on the recommendation that it would make assimilating easier for us. The kids all spoke Russian, but the teachers only spoke English. I have a vivid memory of sitting quietly in the back row, trying to figure out what an amoeba was.

Once I learned enough English from watching “Saved by the Bell” reruns and reading “Sweet Valley High” books, my parents gave me the option to switch to a regular public school, which my younger brother had already done. I recognized the upside of a bigger, less restrictive school, but going through another significant life change with all its unknowns filled me with so much dread that I couldn’t breathe. So, I made the safe choice to stay put.

My best friend eventually transferred to a specialized high school in the city, and I inhaled her stories about the interesting people she met and the classes she took. But I couldn’t imagine doing any of that myself. I didn’t feel like the free-spirited and confident high school kids in the shows I watched and the books I read. I didn’t know how to interact with them and didn’t think I’d be accepted. But by my senior year, I had a sinking feeling that I had limited myself by staying in my self-imposed bubble. I felt caged by my school’s strict rules, our stifling uniforms of long skirts and turtlenecks, and the subpar education.

I knew I had to do whatever it took to become a person who rollerblades by the river.

When it came time to apply for college, the information my classmates and I received was minimal. The school had no guidance counselor to talk us through our college options, and the internet was just gaining momentum with its sketchy chat rooms where everyone pretended to be someone else. My classmates who planned to go to college were applying to the community and state schools within the confines of New York, and that was my plan too.

Then, I learned about Boston University — BU.

My mom’s coworker’s daughters were like the “Sweet Valley High” twins to me. Not because they were blonde or lived in California, but because they seemed to fit in and have that easy-breezy demeanor. They weren’t shy, they laughed unselfconsciously and they didn’t have accents. They could probably even drive. I loved getting their hand-me-downs and pretending to be them during my secret fashion shows.

When my mom came home one day and mentioned that they went to BU, and maybe I should look into it, I immediately felt a ping of the same angst as when she suggested I switch high schools. It was too big of a change. It wasn’t me. I couldn’t do it. And even if I did, there was no way I would get accepted. And even if I got accepted, I’d never get enough financial aid and scholarships to actually attend.

But, I applied anyway. And I got in.

When I visited Boston for the second time to check out BU with my dad, it felt wildly rebellious and indulgent, like stepping into someone else’s life.  As my dad and I followed our well-spoken tour guide around the campus, I admired how comfortable the kids on the “BU Beach” seemed, sprawled out on the grass with textbooks, chatting with their friends. Then, we stood on the bridge over Storrow Drive and looked out at the Charles River. I saw college kids zooming by on their rollerblades. They were so carefree. I was transfixed. I wanted to be them. I needed to be them.

That following fall, my parents packed up the car and drove me to Boston with all of my stuff, including my new, deeply discounted pair of gray and blue rollerblades. The dorm I got assigned to was located directly across the street from the on ramp to the river. I spent the first few weeks rollerblading in the hallways, yelping as I crashed into walls and trash cans because I didn’t yet know how to stop. Then, I took my maiden voyage outside.

Even with my awkward, stumbling roll-walk, I could skate from my dorm to the river in minutes. And I did just that almost every day.

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Viktoria Shulevich Cognoscenti contributor Viktoria Shulevich is a writer of humor, essays and children's fiction. You can read her work in The New Yorker and McSweeney's and other places.

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Massachusetts universities offer Taylor Swift courses for Swifties to learn more about writing

By Paul Burton

April 19, 2024 / 6:28 PM EDT / CBS Boston

CAMBRIDGE - Students at Harvard University and Northeastern University are taking classes in Taylor Swift that introduce them to poetry and improve their writing skills.

Taylor Swift dropped her new album, The Tortured Poets Department, early Friday morning and among those staying up were students in a Harvard University class dedicated to her music.

"We were losing our minds! I wish I could express to you the excitement in the room," said Harvard senior Mary Pankowski. "She's just a worldwide phenomenon."

Connecting Swift's lyrics to poetry

Pankowski attended the listening party as part of her class, Taylor Swift in Her World. The English course focuses on her songs, connecting them to other poets and novels.

"The way that Taylor connects with her fans is something that I really appreciated," said Pankowski. "We've talked a lot about how she is both relatable and aspirational in her music."

Harvard professor Stephanie Burt, who teaches the class, said when it was introduced back in October, more than 200 students signed up for it.

"More poets and novels and songs that they admire and think about they wouldn't have discovered," said Burt, describing the impact of the class on the students. "And a greater, deeper appreciation for what Taylor's doing as an artist."

Writing personal narratives inspired by Swift's music

At Northeastern University, professor Catherine Fairfield said her Swift class attracted 500 students this year. She plans to teach another this summer, called "Blank Space."

"We are focusing on how to write personal narratives by getting inspired by Taylor Swift's songwriting," said Fairfield.

For Pankowski, attending Swift's Eras tour and being surrounded by her classmates for the release of her new album are some of her greatest college experiences.

"On Monday, we are going to have so much to unpack," said Pankowski. "I'm really happy that this class got offered in my last semester. I would've been so sad if I graduated and didn't get to take it."

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Paul Burton is a general assignment reporter for WBZ-TV News.

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Northeastern students recognized for excellence in STEM research as Goldwater Scholars 

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Luke Bagdonas is a chemistry major who researches salt marshes as a nature-based solution to climate change.

Kaitlyn Ramesh is a bioengineering major who develops computational tools and examines genomics data.

Both are third-year students at Northeastern University and recipients of prestigious Goldwater Scholarships.

Goldwater Scholarships recognize ambition and excellence in undergraduate STEM research. Bagdonas and Ramesh were selected from among approximately 5,000 applicants from across the country. 

Even though he’s a chemistry major, Bagdonas knew early on that he wanted to focus his studies and research on the environment.

“There are not many environmental science people who like chemistry,” he says. “And there are not many chemists who like environmental science, so I like being right in the middle — where I can take chemistry knowledge and apply it to environmental science or microbiology or ecology and thread that needle to better understand how our planet’s working so that we can better understand how to fix it.”

Bagdonas was first exposed to research on salt marshes during his first co-op in the lab of associate professor Jennifer Bowen. He has focused on the emerging field of metabolomics, which he describes as the study of small organic compounds in living materials called metabolites and their biological pathways. 

“By looking at all the metabolites present in some system — whether that be a water sample or a soil sample — you can get an idea of what the organisms in that environment are doing,” Bagdonas explains. 

Bagdonas says that the opportunities for full-time undergraduate research at Northeastern has been a major benefit, allowing him to spend time living in and researching a salt marsh in South Carolina and attend and present at a week-long conference in Portland, Oregon. 

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He was named the best undergraduate speaker at the conference. He is currently on co-op at Allonnia, a biotech company in Boston where he is helping a project that tries to clean up and degrade PFAS by using fungi.

“After I finish this co-op, I’ll have over a year of full-time research experience, which is incredible to think about as an undergrad,” Bagdonas says. “Definitely getting the experience to work side by side with graduate students, postdocs and principal investigators as well as people in industry like scientists and project managers, has just given me so much information to go into graduate school.”

Ramesh, a bioengineering major on the systems, synthetic and computational track, has worked in assistant professor Mingyang Lu’s lab since her freshman year.

She similarly feels fortunate to have the opportunity for undergraduate research. 

“I think the lab was a very critical place for me because I really did shape my interests in bioengineering,” Ramesh says. “I just quickly discovered that computational biology was my passion.”

Ramesh says she is drawn to research because she gets to “dive deep” and “pursue every nitty-gritty detail” of a subject. And with “thousands and thousands” of genes expressed in humans, computational biology helps her organize and analyze such vast quantities of data. Her latest deep dive is into building an algorithm to analyze cells healing from a heart attack.

“We can see from our analysis that after they experience a heart attack, they start to kind of remodel and return to a healthier cardiac cell state,” Ramesh says. “It’s really cool thinking about what genes are involved with regeneration and remodeling of the heart.”

Like Bagdonas, Ramesh presented her work at a national conference. 

She also sees further opportunities for using computational biology to better predict the impact of medicines and improve health care decisions.

“I think it’s really cool that I’m able to have this sort of impact through my work, especially as an undergraduate, and you get it through research,” Ramesh says. “I’m quite grateful that the work I’m doing will have a benefit for people.”

Of course, Bagdonas and Ramesh do not spend all of their time in the lab.

Ramesh is a member of Women’s Research Engagement Network, supporting undergraduate women’s research experiences, and also dances with the No Limits Dance Crew. 

Bagdonas is a pianist and writes music for NUStage, serves as a College of Science ambassador and is involved in the university’s chemistry club.

But both see a future for themselves in STEM. And they are honored to see that the Goldwater Scholarship recognizes that future as well.

“The Goldwater has told me that I have a potential to have a career in science and that’s been very fulfilling and it makes me very excited to continue down this path,” Ramesh says. 

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